Facebook Messenger No Longer Requires a Facebook Account

Now you don't need Facebook account to use Messenger. You just need your phone number and you can login to Messenger. Some months it was the messenger.com now its the phone number. So, now you can say that the messenger is a standalone app.

According to the blog post, "If you’re in Canada, the United States, Peru or Venezuela, we are starting to roll out a new way for you to sign up for Messenger – without a Facebook account".

Now the login screen of the app shows "Not on Facebook?". If you choose that option, users can enter their name, phone number, and a photo to create a Messenger account. 

With this update, more people can enjoy all the features that are available on Messenger – including photos, videos, group chats, voice and video calling, stickers and more. All you need is a phone number.

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Facebook Launched Standalone Messenger for Web, Messenger.com

Facebook launched a standalone Web version of its Messenger, with the launch of the Messenger.com website. Users can login to messenger.com using Facebook account and all the existing chats will appear. Users can also make audio and video calls from the top right menu bar. The Web version is currently available in English only. 

With the new Messenger Web interface, users now have a dedicated Web page to chat with their Facebook friends just like on Facebook.com. Similar to its move on the mobile front, the company has effectively separated Facebook Messenger from Facebook, but speaking with Re/code, a Facebook spokesperson has confirmed there are no plans to remove access to messaging services from its core Facebook.com Web service as of now.

A gear button on the upper left corner allows you to make setting adjustments, such as sound and desktop notifications. You also get the option to manage your Blocked list, but this link takes you back to the Facebook homepage.